Ancient Indian architecture

Having traveled the length and breadth of India I was fascinated by the different structures that i saw around India. I will try and slowly introduce my audience to different types of architectural buildings around India. You can contribute too by posting pictures.

There's a marked difference between the ancient structures of north and south. To give you an example>>>

Most of our ancient structures followed a square and circle pattern, thus adopting perfect geometries and mathematical principles.

Such perfect geometrical alignment>>>>Rameshwaram temple, TN.

Other than the commonly heard names Vastu shastra and shilpa shastra, I'm not sure many of you would be conversant with different architectural styles of ancient Indian structures

For example the famous Khajraho temples have a NAGARA architecture. Temples built under NAGARA were mostly square in plan (top view) with number of projections.

Constructed in 1163 AD by King Rudra Deva, the Thousand Pillar Temple is one of the finest specimens of Kakatiya architecture and sculpture.

This temple has three shrines that are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Surya. Also known as Rudreswar, it took 72 years of construction to complete this temple. Kakatiya dynasty ruled for 575 years in Andhra Pradesh, from 750 AD – 1325 AD.

The architecturally brilliant temple depicts typical Chalukyan style of architecture and the entire temple resembles the shape of a star with intricate carvings of artwork on the pillars. In addition to this, the walls of the temple have exceptional designs that would leave an artist spellbound at the quality of workmanship at a time when current technology was not available.

Lord Shiva’s shrine has been positioned facing the east while other shrines face south and west as the Kakatiyas were great devotees of Lord Shiva and wanted early morning sun rays to fall directly on the Shiva Lingam. There is a colossal statue of Nandi situated at the entrance of this shrine carved out of a single piece of black basalt rock. A 5 feet high idol of Lord Ganesha is located on the left-hand side of the Sanctum Sanctorum. Another attraction of the temple complex are its serene and lush green gardens.

The Thousand pillar temple was destroyed by Tughlaq dynasty, a Muslim dynasty of Turkic origin, during their invasion of South India.
In 1336 Kapaya Nayak of the Musunuri Nayak defeated the Tughlaq army and reconquered Warangal from the Delhi Sultanate and ruled for half a century. Until a few years ago, the place was in a state of neglect and abandonment, with its broken roof, statues and fallen columns. It was in 2004 that the Government of India took the responsibility of renovating the temple. Upon closer inspection, archaeologists found huge masses of wetland underneath the broken pillars due to a water resource nearby. It took them nearly two weeks to remove all the sand and protect the area.

The crumbling Kalyana Mandapam opposite the main Sanctum sanctorum was dismantled for reconstruction in 2005 but still remains to be rebuilt again.

The Thousand Pillar Temple, with its own unique architectural style, is indeed the pride of India and should be cherished as such.

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Kalahasthi temple: Dravidian architecture. Almost 1000 years old, built by the Chola kings. It's about 37m high.
Just flummoxes me as to how they managed to errect such tall structures back then?

Some typical temples built in accordance to Dravidian architecture are Meenakshi temple and Kapaleeshwar temple

So this is one of those @Levina 's special. Ancient Indian Architecture.
This is my contribution to this thread. I dont know why but i was really intrigued by the architecture of this temple during my visit to Udaipur.Eklingji TempleLocation: 22 kms in north of Udaipur, On National Highway No.8Built by: Bappa RawalBuilt in: 734 A.DDedicated to: Lord ShivaHighlights: 50 feet high image of Lord ShivaHow to reach: One can easily reach Eklingji Temple from the city by taking regular buses or by hiring taxis

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Eklingji Temple is one of the most famous temples of Rajasthan. Located in the town of Eklingji (Kailashpuri), the place got its popular name from the temple. Eklingji Temple is positioned at a distance of 22 km in the north of Udaipur, on the national highway no. 8. Eklingnath Temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva of the Hindu religion. Initially, the temple was built in 734 A.D. by Bappa Rawal. Since that time, Eklingji has been the ruling deity of Mewar rulers. In the later years, it was repaired and modified by various Kings, to clean the remnants of obliteration made by the attacks of Mohammedans.

The magnificent architecture of Eklingnath Temple is simply remarkable. The double-storied temple looks awesome with its pyramidal style of roof and distinctly carved tower. The outer walls of the temple are stretched with steps that descend touching the serene waters. Inside the complex, the main temple is a huge pillared hall or 'mandap' that is sheltered by hefty pyramidal roof. On entering this hall, you will be welcomed by a silver image of Nandi. In the temple, there are two other images of Nandi carved in black stone and brass respectively. You would find this temple full of mesmerizing fragrance.

The temple boasts of a striking four-faced idol of Eklingji (Lord Shiva) that is made out of black marble. Its height ranges around 50 feet and its four faces depict four forms of Lord Shiva. The east-facing part is recognized as Surya, the west-facing part is Lord Brahma, the north-facing part is Lord Vishnu and the south-facing part is Rudra i.e. Lord Shiva himself. The zenith of the multifaceted idol is known as 'Yantra that stands for the ultimate reality. The Shivlinga (Phallic form of Lord Shiva) garlanded by a silver snake, acquires the major attraction of people.

Being sited in the middle, Shivlinga is encircled by Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikay. Inside the temple complex, you would find statues of Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Yamuna. The main temple also boasts of heavy silver doors, which depicts Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikay guarding their father. To the north of Eklingji temple, there are two tanks namely Karz Kund and Tulsi Kund. Water of these tanks is consumed during the services of the Lord. The festival of Shivratri is observed here with full gusto and fervor. At this time, the image of Lord Shiva is adorned with jewelry.

Enrooted in the religious roots, the town comprises around 108 small and big temples. Near to Eklingji Temple, you can also trace various temples that are dedicated to Ambika Mata, Kalki and Lord Ganesha. One more temple by the name of Nathon Ka Mandir that dates back to 10th century catches the attraction. Lakulish temple is a fine temple that was built in 971. It is the exclusive temple of the Lakulish sect in India. Sas- Bahu temple is another temple that is all raised in marble of the 11th century. The Jain Temple of Adbhudji is made in black marble which dates back to the 15th century.

Amongst other temples of Kailashpuri (better known as Eklingji), temples of Pataleshwar Mahadeo, Arbada Mata, Rathasan Devi and Vindhyavasini Devi are worth mentioning. The wonderful architecture of these temples makes the onlooker to ponder over the artistry of those times. The city of Eklingji or Kailashpuri is located amidst a beautiful valley on the lands of Rajasthan that houses some of the marvelous temples of India. While planning your trip to Udaipur, don't forget to include Eklingji in your itinerary, otherwise you would be at a miss.

This is a very interesting temple. Most of it is now in ruins.
The Martand Sun Temple is Kashmiri Hindu temple dedicated to Surya, built during the 8th century CE. Since the limestone foundation of the temple dates back to 350CE, the work done in 8 century CE under Lalitaditya would have been mere restoration.
The temple has good dose of greek architecture fused along with the Gandharan style.The temple was said to be built on top of a plateau from where one could view whole of the Kashmir Valley. The primary shrine in its center,supposedly had a Pyramidal shape, surrounded by 84 smaller shrines. The shape is unique to places which receive snowfall. The central shine it is said was surrounded by water.
Various wall carvings in the antechamber of the temple depict other gods, such as Vishnu, and river goddesses, such as Ganga and Yamuna, in addition to the sun-god Surya.
The temple was burnt down by Sikandar Bhutshikan in 15th century. His violence against temples won him the sobriquet of but-shikan or idol-breaker. @Kalmuahlaunda Google him to know how the guy was motivated by his sufi mentor Mir Mohammad Hamadani. Or was it @AbRaj who had discussed Sufis with me?
If restored the temple would have looked like this>>>

This is a very interesting temple. Most of it is now in ruins.
The Martand Sun Temple is Kashmiri Hindu temple dedicated to Surya, built during the 8th century CE. Since the limestone foundation of the temple dates back to 350CE, the work done in 8 century CE under Lalitaditya would have been mere restoration.
The temple has good dose of greek architecture fused along with the Gandharan style.The temple was said to be built on top of a plateau from where one could view whole of the Kashmir Valley. The primary shrine in its center,supposedly had a Pyramidal shape, surrounded by 84 smaller shrines. The shape is unique to places which receive snowfall. The central shine it is said was surrounded by water.
Various wall carvings in the antechamber of the temple depict other gods, such as Vishnu, and river goddesses, such as Ganga and Yamuna, in addition to the sun-god Surya.
The temple was burnt down by Sikandar Bhutshikan in 15th century. His violence against temples won him the sobriquet of but-shikan or idol-breaker. @Kalmuahlaunda Google him to know how the guy was motivated by his sufi mentor Mir Mohammad Hamadani. Or was it @AbRaj who had discussed Sufis with me?
If restored the temple would have looked like this>>>

Temple ruins as seen from entrance.

Click to expand...

So this is the tample shown in movie "Haider" as some kind of hideous satanic place.
Sad to see its ruins

PS: some say that Kashmiri's are cursed by "Surya" due to destruction of this temple